Brown Representing National Influence of the Faculty

April 15, 2013

Dr. Jean Brown of the Faculty of Education appeared on CBC Radio – the third faculty representative to do so in a couple of months – to discuss the restructuring of school boards in Canada. Dr. Brown was part of a research team that included Dr. Bruce Sheppard and Dr. Gerald Galway of Memorial, as well as Dr. John Weins of the University of Manitoba.

The interview was the result of the research of the group that led to the publication of School Boards Matter, a report outlining possible changes to school boards and how they operate. Given the national scope of the project, and the fact that it was done in conjunction with the Canadian School Boards Association, it has proven to be a source of significant pride.

"This research exemplifies the kind of significant national influence this faculty has," Dean of Education Dr. Kirk Anderson said in a statement.

"[Dr. Brown]'s interview is particularly interesting and thought provoking. Also there are some wonderful moments of reflection interwoven showing aspects of this province's history. It is truly excellent work."

For her part, Dr. Brown is proud of the work the group did and was happy to talk about it.

"We appreciated the opportunity to talk about our research on the role of school boards on CBC radio in Gander, Corner Brook, and St. John's," she said. "Although our study is a pan-Canadian study, there are many implications that point to the direction the Department of Education should move."

She also noted the direction of Newfoundland and Labrador, and how it relates to the research her group did.

"We are quite happy that the province is retaining the school board governance model, as our research indicates this is the strongest model for enhancing the education of all students. One of the biggest findings in our work is that all trustees, from all parts of the country, recognize the importance of local representation in educational policy making, and we are pleased that we could share that finding with all the CBC listeners."